Linking rhizoplane pH and bacterial density at the microhabitat scale.
Ion-selective microelectrodes and a novel micro-sampling technique were used to investigate the relationship in field soil between Brassica napus rhizoplane pH and bacterial density at a spatial scale approximating a microhabitat. Bacterial densities were observed to increase with decreasing pH, rhizoplane pH measurements varied by up to 1 pH unit over a distance of 1 mm and the mean pH of the rhizoplane at the root base varied by more than 1 pH unit between plants. These findings highlight the appropriateness of investigating the interactions between bacterial communities and their environment at the micro-spatial scale and the utility of the micro-sampling method.
Dennis
Paul G
PG
Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK. paul.dennis@scri.ac.uk
Hirsch
Penny R
PR
Smith
Susan J
SJ
Taylor
Richard G
RG
Valsami-Jones
Eugenia
E
Miller
Anthony J
AJ
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D029688:Brassica napus / Q000382:microbiology; D017753:Ecosystem; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D050296:Microbial Viability; D008839:Microelectrodes; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000382:microbiology*; D012988:Soil Microbiology